Chickens, and things related

[EddieWalker]

Toro,

That looks pretty much like what I was going to make. I'm thinking about cutting out the entire top for maximum air flow, but don't know if one way is better then the other.

Those bolts look like they might be sticking out. If the birds were to fly up and hit them, could they hurt themselves if they hit it? I've been thinking about using rivits upside down so the smooth side is on the bottom where the birds might hit them.

Do you have Craigslist in your area? I've seen baby chicks for sale on my local Craiglist for a buck to $1.50 depending on breeds. I've also seen them on Ebay and in the local papers, plus several feed stores.

Eddie

 

[Tororider]

Yeah, the screws are down a bit on the inside, I may put something over them, but they aren't sharp, so we will see. I don't have a rivit gun, so that was out.

I do have craigslist, but everything so far has been straight run, as the smaller places can't sex the chicks, and I really need to have pullets.

I haven't seen the live chicks on ebay, only hatching eggs. I will have to look again.

 

[Tororider]

I suppose I could remove the machined screws and use zip ties to fasten it.

Eddie, if you are going to cut out the whole top, just set it aside and make a new top with a wooden frame and fasten the mesh to that. That way you can use the tote later if you want to with an intact top.

 

[tony123]

You guys are moving along nicely. I haven't done a thing regarding chickens, except for buying a waterer and feeder.

I need to get moving.

Brooder looks great Toro. I wouldn't worry about the bolts. Lots of people raising chicks out in the yard with sticks and all sorts of stuff for them to get hurt on. I don't see how the bolts are any different.

I stopped at my TSC and they are getting only 150 chicks. I think I'll be going to my local feed store instead.

Toro, so when are you going to start your coop? What do you have in mind? I think I'm doing a tractor only for this year and will do the coop over next winter.

 

[Tororider]

I am going to try to do something like this for my coop/run. I will change the dimensions to 5 wide and 10 long and 6 high. A one piece tilted roof, etc.

Gallery - Back Yard Chickens

 

[Tororider]

I have found a lady that is selling some 5 week old buff orps and new hamshire reds and is selling them for $5 a piece. I am trying to decide if I want to do that rather than the day old chicks. I figure that if 5 weeks closer to eggs. Any opinions?

 

[4720 OWNER]

I have found a lady that is selling some 5 week old buff orps and new hamshire reds and is selling them for $5 a piece. I am trying to decide if I want to do that rather than the day old chicks. I figure that if 5 weeks closer to eggs. Any opinions?

Sounds like the retail price. The first month is the cheapest except for buying them in the first place. Of course you have much less chance of having a chick that does not move very much.

That brooder looks real sweet. Can i see the movie when you take the top off to feed and water and they cascade over the sides? That is such a stitch to deal with. And yes they are surpisingly active at 2 weeks!! Personally have the dog round them up since she seems to enjoy the challenge and it keeps her busy for a while.

If you are planning on having chickens again, usually stay with the same breeder since each one has its own unique set of infections that the birds are immune to (or come with). This is not good or bad just the way it is. Good sterilization is always being a good idea.

 

[Slackdaddy]

Chickens are a couple times a day thing or "life style"
collect eggs 2 times a day, for sure.
feed and water every morning,

My girl's chickens came as day olds, raised them in a kiddie pool in the basement, while we built the coop.
Chicken wire WILL NOT stop a predator, use hardware cloth over windows, etc. lost one to a hawk in the middle of the day in the fenced in run, we then put netting over, now they only "free range" while we are home.
sectioned an area off for the rabbit and duck to run, but every one gets locked up in there fort nox coop/hutches/dog crates (duck) at night.

I do not see any way to do the chickens "long distance".

Nick

 

[Tororider]

Beautiful coop slackdaddy!

Yeah, now the plan is to have fewer chickens and keep them at my suburban home. When I move out to the farm I can then expand my flock.

I may actually pick up four 6 week old chicks today.

 

[Tororider]

Well, here they are. I hope they are all pullets. They are either buff orps, new hampshire reds, or a combo of the two. I picked two of the lightest and two of the darkest small chickens she had. I picked the small ones hoping to have a better chance at pullets. Let me know what you think.